As you learn to use The Color Wheel you will see how it serves to simplify color mixing for the artist by using a controlled group of colors and creating harmony in artwork.
The front side of the Color Wheel illustrates the color mixes that result when using the primary colors. Black shades and white tints are also illustrated.
The back side of the Color Wheel illustrates a group of stacked geometric shapes representing spatial degrees of separation which, when used, will prove to create harmonious color schemes. This might include one color for a monochromatic color scheme to six colors using an expanded complementary color scheme. White is always a given paint tube to be added to your palette, but black is not necessary when you learn how to make a dark using complementary colors.
So then why are there so many paint colors out there to choose from when all you need is a few? The answer is that the manufacturers are making money from it. The more colors they make, the more colors you think you need, so the more you will buy. Manufacturers feed on this notion and in essence, it disables us from actually learning and understanding how to mix color. Knowing “What’s in your Tube” is the second half of the equation. Using pure color is about knowing what is actually in your tube of paint.
There are no magic potions for mixing color. The good news, though, is that through practice you will gain knowledge and confidence in your color mixing. The practical knowledge is the easy part; the work comes when you practice it. I frequently remind my students that there is a reason why art is often referred to as artwork….it is work!
This method is suitable for the beginner student as well as the professional artist. It can be applied to any subject or style of art including abstract, expressionism or impressionism and can be applied to all painting mediums including beyond paint such as fiber art and interior decorating. Color harmony is essential to all good art no matter the medium, subject or style.
Whether you are just beginning your art journey or have been struggling to mix color, this systematic approach will help you get on the right track. No more failed piles of color. No more random color selections. The hit or miss mixing process will become a thing of the past.
I have found that most students and artists don’t take the time to paint color charts or do the color studies before a painting. For that reason, I offer workshops on this subject. This book will serves as a reference guidebook, and teaching tool for years to come.
Color mixing can take a lifetime of exploration because of the endless combinations possible. For that I am grateful. "Happy are the painters for they shall not be bored” -Winston Churchill. I have been painting for over forty years and still, it is fun and fresh every time I return to my easel.
If you don’t already own a Color Wheel, you may want to have one to follow along. If you do, dust it off and let’s get going!